Supervisor candidates outline housing priorities

Greater Greater Washington, an online news site conducted a survey of the candidates running for Fairfax County supervisor focusing on affordable housing and transportation.

We’re highlighting some of the answers given by the candidates running in the Democratic Primary in the Mason District – Andres Jimenez, Reid Voss, Steve Lee, and Jeremy Allen. Visit the GGW website for the entire questionnaire and answers.  

GGW: According to the Fairfax County Comprehensive Plan, the county is expected to add about 62,000 households by 2032. Where should density be increased to accommodate the construction of new housing?

All four candidates selected this response: “New housing should be concentrated within a close distance of Metro stations, as identified by the county’s Comprehensive Plan. New housing should be built on the site of aging commercial properties, like shopping centers and office parks.”

Related story: Mason District supervisor candidates outline their priorities and qualifications

Andres Jimenez, Reid Voss, and Jeremy Allen also selected this response: “New housing should be concentrated in one of the county’s “Suburban Centers” as designated by the Comprehensive Plan: Centreville, Dulles (Route 28 Corridor), Fairfax Center (the area around Fair Oaks and Government Center), Flint Hill (the area around Route 123 and I-66), Lorton, and Merrifield.”

How many additional units should be built here by 2032?

Lee, Allen, and Voss said between 62,000 and 80,000. Jimenez said more than 100,000.

Where in your district do you think density should be increased to accommodate the construction of new housing?

Jimenez: “I certainly think we should look at county-owned properties and also vacant commercial spaces. I would also note, however, that we need more affordable housing countywide and that such housing only works if it’s spread out, near transit and job centers, etc.”

Lee: “All old and out-of-compliance garden-style apartment buildings must be revitalized with increased density to allow condominiums and apartment units.”

Allen: “Although I firmly believe communities that are historically single-family areas should be preserved, I recognize that there are certain communities where expanded housing options could be desirable, such as downtown Annandale, Seven Corners, and Bailey’s Crossroads. These communities stand to benefit from increased multifamily developments, especially if those developments are coupled with mixed-use investments and improved transit. However, any changes in zoning should only be site-specific, not countywide, and only after seeking the input of those site-specific communities. To create more affordable housing in the county, I plan to pursue policies that will preserve existing affordable housing, protect affordable dwelling units from phase-out during redevelopment, and support repurposing vacant commercial buildings.”

Voss: “Our housing opportunities are around our commercial districts that also need to be revitalized: Bailey’s Crossroads, Seven Corners, and Annandale.”

How will you ensure that Fairfax County produces housing for residents who make between 50 and 80 percent of area median income (AMI)?

Jimenez: “I think we should look at county-owned properties and also vacant commercial spaces. I would also note that we need more affordable housing countywide and that such housing only works if it’s spread out, near transit and job centers, etc. It’s also better for our environment.”

Lee: “Provide government-owned rental housing at higher density.”

Allen: “I believe homeownership should be accessible and affordable to everyone, especially those who have been historically disenfranchised. I would improve housing affordability and availability to residents most in need by using all available resources, including developing land owned by the county, repurposing vacant commercial buildings, and expanding the eligibility of those who qualify for affordable housing. I support an approach to incentivize the creation of more housing units, including strategies such as developer tax credits, density bonuses near major transportation and commercial nodes, and incentives to train and hire more residential construction workers.”

Voss: “The Affordable Dwelling Unit (ADU) requirements set on new construction is a great opportunity to add units to our affordable housing inventory. Mason District for many years has had stagnant construction. Working with builders will improve our opportunity to grow.”

How will you ensure that Fairfax County produces housing for residents who make between 80 and 120 percent of AMI? 

Jimenez: “I think we should look at county-owned properties and also vacant commercial spaces. I would also note that we need more affordable housing countywide and that such housing only works if it’s spread out, near transit and job centers, etc. It’s also better for our environment.”

Lee: “Condominium ownership with restricted resale value to prevent investor purchase.”

Allen: “I understand the issue personally as my wife and I were able to afford our first home with the help of the Fairfax County Workforce Dwelling Unit program. As Mason District supervisor, I would work to expand the workforce housing program by increasing the mandatory minimum allotment for new developments. I would also advocate for the county to offer up to $100,000 in forgivable loans (similar to Arlington County) to support those at these AMI levels in buying market-rate homes. Through programs like these, our teachers, first responders, and county employees can keep providing critical services to our community without worrying about switching professions or being forced to live outside the county and commuting long distances.”

Voss: “We will add to this inventory in the same manner, by allowing construction that will lead to more ADU units in the program.”

What are your top policies for decreasing single-occupancy vehicle trips and slowing down drivers? The candidates were asked to rank five options in order of priority.

Jimenez:

1 – Building more housing and affordable housing in the county near transit and job centers.
2 – Reducing minimum parking requirements in new developments near transit.
3 – Installing speed cameras in school crossing zones, as allowed in Virginia since 2020.
4 – Implementing traffic calming and/or road diets on residential streets where allowed by VDOT.
5 – Installing red light cameras in more locations.  

Lee:

1 – Building more housing and affordable housing in the county near transit and job centers.
2 – Installing speed cameras in school crossing zones, as allowed in Virginia since 2020.
3 – Implementing traffic calming and/or road diets on residential streets where allowed by VDOT.
4 – Installing red light cameras in more locations.
5 – Reducing minimum parking requirements in new developments near transit.  

Allen:

1 – Building more housing and affordable housing in the County near transit and job centers.
2 – Installing speed cameras in school crossing zones, as allowed in Virginia since 2020.
3 – Reducing minimum parking requirements in new developments near transit.
4 – Implementing traffic calming and/or road diets on residential streets where allowed by VDOT.
5 – Installing red light cameras in more locations.

Voss:

1 – Building more housing and affordable housing in the county near transit and job centers.
2 – Installing speed cameras in school crossing zones, as allowed in Virginia since 2020.
3 – Installing red light cameras in more locations.
4 – Implementing traffic calming and/or road diets on residential streets where allowed by VDOT.
5 – Reducing minimum parking requirements in new developments near transit.